## What are the Forces Acting on a Skydiver?
When a skydiver jumps out of a plane, they are subject to a number of forces. These forces include gravity, air resistance, and buoyancy.
### Gravity
Gravity is the force that pulls objects towards each other. In the case of a skydiver, gravity is pulling them towards the ground. The force of gravity is determined by the mass of the skydiver and the mass of the Earth.
### Air Resistance
Air resistance is the force that opposes the motion of an object through the air. In the case of a skydiver, air resistance is caused by the collision of the skydiver’s body with air molecules. The force of air resistance is determined by the speed of the skydiver, the shape of the skydiver’s body, and the density of the air.
### Buoyancy
Buoyancy is the upward force exerted by a fluid that opposes the weight of a partially or fully immersed object. In the case of a skydiver, buoyancy is caused by the displacement of air by the skydiver’s body. The force of buoyancy is determined by the volume of the skydiver’s body that is displaced and the density of the air.
## How do these Forces Affect a Skydiver?
The forces of gravity, air resistance, and buoyancy all affect the motion of a skydiver.
Gravity pulls the skydiver towards the ground. This force causes the skydiver to accelerate downwards.
Air resistance opposes the motion of the skydiver through the air. This force causes the skydiver to decelerate downwards.
Buoyancy opposes the weight of the skydiver. This force causes the skydiver to move upwards.
The net force acting on a skydiver is the sum of the forces of gravity, air resistance, and buoyancy. This net force determines the acceleration of the skydiver.
## What Happens to a Skydiver When They Pull the Chute?
When a skydiver pulls the chute, they increase the surface area of their body that is exposed to the air. This increases the force of air resistance. The increased force of air resistance causes the skydiver to decelerate more rapidly.
The net force acting on the skydiver after they pull the chute is the sum of the forces of gravity, air resistance, and buoyancy. This net force causes the skydiver to decelerate and eventually reach a constant velocity.
## What is the Terminal Velocity of a Skydiver?
The terminal velocity of a skydiver is the constant velocity that they reach after they pull the chute. The terminal velocity of a skydiver is determined by the force of gravity, the force of air resistance, and the force of buoyancy.
The force of gravity pulls the skydiver downwards. The force of air resistance opposes the motion of the skydiver through the air. The force of buoyancy opposes the weight of the skydiver.
The terminal velocity of a skydiver is the velocity at which the force of gravity is equal to the sum of the forces of air resistance and buoyancy.